Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed which current centre-back he believes to be better than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds are still in the hunt for their first English top-flight title in 29 years with just reigning champions Manchester City standing in their way.
Speaking to reporters, Ferdinand was discussing whether he thought the Liverpool centre-back was the best defender on the planet at this very minute.
Admitting that Van Dijk is right up there, he revealed that his number one choice is Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, which will not go down too well with Liverpool supporters.
Citing his excellent trophy-haul and big-game performances, Ferdinand said: “Ramos, when the big games come up, the trophies are there to be won, he’s normally standing there with his sleeves rolled up.
“He is not being shifted at the moment.
“To be considered the best in the world, you have got to win stuff as well. You cannot just play well for your team and sit there as runner-up or coming third or fourth.
“That’s why, when people talk about Player of the Year and you see they haven’t won anything but they are the best player, I am thinking: ‘How? You haven’t influenced a team to win things.’
“You need to be part of a team that is winning to be considered like that.
“Virgil is a fantastic player, potentially the best in the world but, right now, no. And I’d think he would agree.
“Winning is an essential part of winning personal accolades. You have to win.
“If Liverpool win the league it’s legit, but it would feel odd if he is the best player and they have come second or third.”